We’re proud to share a major milestone in our partnership: as of Thursday, July 17, 2025, Gouda Refractories Group has officially acquired International Thermal Refractories, Unipessoal Lda. (ITR), based in Lisbon, Portugal.
This acquisition is a logical next step in our successful strategic alliance, which took effect on January 1, 2024. ITR’s outstanding reputation in providing qualified personnel for refractory coating and maintenance, combined with its strong presence across key industrial sectors, aligns perfectly with our long-term strategic goals.
With this integration, we strengthen our global capabilities and expand our expertise in refractory lining and maintenance. ITR's experienced team of over 40 highly qualified professionals, each with experience in a wide range of refractory markets, will now operate fully under the Gouda Refractories Group umbrella, ensuring continuity, quality, and growth for all our customers.

Gouda Refractories Group, founded in 1901 and part of Shinagawa Refractories Co. Ltd. since October 2024, is an internationally operating group of companies, consisting of four refractory service and installation companies located in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and Sweden. Gouda Refractories completes the group as a world-leading developer, engineer, manufacturer, and installer of high-quality shaped and unshaped alumina oxide based refractory solutions, with two production sites in the Netherlands.
Together with Shinagawa, Gouda aims to grow its business while maintaining a high level of service, quality, and expertise. The acquisition of ITR aligns perfectly with this ambition.
A warm welcome to the management and employees of ITR! We look forward to this exciting new chapter and the opportunities it offers for innovation, excellence, and further global expansion.

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